Zoom lens, image pickup optical device, and digital apparatus

ABSTRACT

A zoom lens includes, in order from an object side: a first lens group having positive refractive power; a second lens group having negative refractive power; a third lens group having positive refractive power; a fourth lens group having positive refractive power; a fifth lens group having negative refractive power; and a sixth lens group having positive refractive power, wherein, during zooming, an interval between adjacent two lens groups varies among the first lens group, the second lens group, the third lens group, the fourth lens group, the fifth lens group, and the sixth lens group, and the following Conditional Expression (1) is satisfied: 
       0&lt; ft/f 1≤0.42  (1)
         where ft represents a focal length of an entire system at a tele end, and f1 represents a focal length of the first lens group.

The entire disclosure of Japanese patent Application No. 2019-096879,filed on May 23, 2019, is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND Technological Field

The present disclosure relates to a zoom lens, an image pickup opticaldevice, and a digital apparatus.

Description of the Related Art

Various zoom lenses each having a small f-number (e.g., approximately F2.8) have been proposed until now. For example, JP 2014-106243 A and JP2016-109720 A each disclose a zoom lens including, in order from theobject side, a first lens group having positive refractive power, asecond lens group having negative refractive power, a third lens grouphaving positive refractive power, a fourth lens group having negativerefractive power, and a fifth lens group having positive refractivepower.

For recent zoom lenses, there has been a strong demand for not onlyangle widening and high resolving power but also brightness equivalentto that of single focus. The respective zoom lenses disclosed in JP2014-106243 A and JP 2016-109720 A have an f-number of approximately2.8. The respective zoom lenses disclosed in the patent documents havefive groups in configuration. For such a zoom lens having five groups inconfiguration, as the f-number decreases, spherical aberration and comaaberration vary largely due to zooming. Thus, aberration is difficult tocorrect favorably over the entire range of zooming.

SUMMARY

The present invention has been made in consideration of such a problem,and an object of the present invention is to provide a zoom lenscorrected favorably in aberration, having a wide angle of view at thewide end thereof and f-number small over the entire range of zooming, animage pickup optical device including the zoom lens, and a digitalapparatus.

To achieve the abovementioned object, according to an aspect of thepresent invention, a zoom lens reflecting one aspect of the presentinvention comprises, in order from an object side: a first lens grouphaving positive refractive power; a second lens group having negativerefractive power; a third lens group having positive refractive power; afourth lens group having positive refractive power; a fifth lens grouphaving negative refractive power; and a sixth lens group having positiverefractive power, wherein, during zooming, an interval between adjacenttwo lens groups varies among the first lens group, the second lensgroup, the third lens group, the fourth lens group, the fifth lensgroup, and the sixth lens group, and the following ConditionalExpression (1) is satisfied:

0<ft/f1≤0.42  (1)

where ft represents a focal length of an entire system at a tele end,and f1 represents a focal length of the first lens group.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and features provided by one or more embodiments of theinvention will become more fully understood from the detaileddescription given hereinbelow and the appended drawings which are givenby way of illustration only, and thus are not intended as a definitionof the limits of the present invention:

FIGS. 1A to 1C illustrate the configuration of a zoom lens according toa first embodiment;

FIGS. 2A to 2C illustrate the configuration of a zoom lens according toa second embodiment;

FIGS. 3A to 3C illustrate the configuration of a zoom lens according toa third embodiment;

FIGS. 4A to 4C illustrate the configuration of a zoom lens according toa fourth embodiment;

FIGS. 5A to 5C illustrate the configuration of a zoom lens according toa fifth embodiment;

FIGS. 6A to 6C illustrate the configuration of a zoom lens according toa sixth embodiment;

FIGS. 7A to 7C illustrate the configuration of a zoom lens according toa seventh embodiment;

FIGS. 8A to 8C illustrate the configuration of a zoom lens according toan eighth embodiment;

FIGS. 9A to 9C are longitudinal aberration diagrams of Example 1;

FIGS. 10A to 10C are longitudinal aberration diagrams of Example 2;

FIGS. 11A to 11C are longitudinal aberration diagrams of Example 3;

FIGS. 12A to 12C are longitudinal aberration diagrams of Example 4;

FIGS. 13A to 13C are longitudinal aberration diagrams of Example 5;

FIGS. 14A to 14C are longitudinal aberration diagrams of Example 6;

FIGS. 15A to 15C are longitudinal aberration diagrams of Example 7;

FIGS. 16A to 16C are longitudinal aberration diagrams of Example 8; and

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of configurations of an image pickupoptical device including a zoom lens and a digital apparatus accordingto the present embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, one or more embodiments of the present invention will bedescribed with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of theinvention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. A zoom lensaccording to an embodiment of the present invention includes, in orderfrom the object side, a first lens group having positive refractivepower, a second lens group having negative refractive power, a thirdlens group having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group havingpositive refractive power, a fifth lens group having negative refractivepower, and a sixth lens group having positive refractive power. Duringzooming, the interval between adjacent two lens groups varies among thefirst lens group, the second lens group, the third lens group, thefourth lens group, the fifth lens group, and the sixth lens group, andthe following Conditional Expression (1) is satisfied:

0<ft/f1≤0.42  (1)

where ft represents the focal length of the entire system at the teleend and f1 represents the focal length of the first lens group.

The zoom lens has six groups in configuration, in which positive power,negative power, positive power, positive power, negative power, andpositive power are arranged in order from the object side. Duringzooming, the interval between adjacent two lens groups varies.Therefore, aberration variation due to zooming can be inhibited incomparison with a zoom lens having five groups in configuration.

Conditional Expression (1) regulates the condition for achievement ofangle widening at the wide end and favorable correction of aberrationover a wide zooming range, with the focal length of the first lens groupproperly set. If the value of ft/f1 falls below the lower limit ofConditional Expression (1), the power of the first lens group becomesinsufficient. Thus, distortion is difficult to correct in the range of awide angle of view, such as the maximum image height, at the wide end.Furthermore, because of the insufficient power of the first lens group,the subsequent lens groups (namely, the second lens group and thesubsequent lens groups) needs increasing in lens diameter. However, anincrease in lens diameter causes the weight of the entire lens toincrease. Meanwhile, if the value of ft/f1 exceeds the upper limit ofConditional Expression (1), the power of the first lens groupstrengthens excessively. Thus, spherical aberration and coma aberrationthat occur in the first lens group increase particularly at the teleend. Use of glass material high in refractive index for a positive lensin the first lens group is effective in correcting such aberration.However, the use of glass material high in refractive index for apositive lens in the first lens group causes high turbulence. Thus,on-axis chromatic aberration is difficult to correct particularly at thetele end. Furthermore, widening of an angle of view is insufficient atthe wide end. The value of ft/f1 satisfying Conditional Expression (1)enables acquisition of an f-number of F 2.2 or less over the entirerange of zooming with an angle of view of more than 80° at the wide endand enables favorable correction of aberration.

In the present embodiment, preferably, ft/f1 satisfies the followingConditional Expression (1a):

0<ft/f1≤0.3  (1a)

where ft represents the focal length of the entire system at the teleend and f1 represents the focal length of the first lens group.

Conditional Expression (1a) regulates a further preferable conditionalrange from the conditional range regulated by Conditional Expression (1)above. Therefore, the value of ft/f1 satisfying Conditional Expression(1a) enables further enhancement of the effect.

In the present embodiment, more preferably, ft/f1 satisfies thefollowing Conditional Expression (1b):

0<ft/f1≤0.2  (1b)

where ft represents the focal length of the entire system at the teleend and f1 represents the focal length of the first lens group.

Conditional Expression (1b) regulates a more preferable conditionalrange than the conditional range regulated by Conditional Expression(1a) above. Therefore, the value of ft/f1 satisfying ConditionalExpression (1b) enables further enhancement of the effect.

In the present embodiment, preferably, the second lens group includes atleast one cemented lens satisfying the following Conditional Expression(2):

nd2p−nd2n≥0.1  (2)

where nd2p represents the refractive index for the d line of a positivelens in the cemented lens in the second lens group and nd2n representsthe refractive index for the d line of a negative lens in the cementedlens in the second lens group.

Conditional Expression (2) regulates the condition for correction ofcoma aberration at the wide end and correction of spherical aberrationat the tele end with at least one cemented face having a largedifference in refractive index arranged in the second lens group. If thevalue of (nd2p−nd2n) falls below the lower limit of ConditionalExpression (2), the difference between nd2p and nd2n diminishesexcessively. Thus, correction of at least one of the coma aberration atthe wide end and the spherical aberration at the tele end is likely tobe insufficient.

In the present embodiment, preferably, the value of (nd2p−nd2n)satisfies the following Conditional Expression (2a):

nd2p−nd2n≥0.15  (2a)

where nd2p represents the refractive index for the d line of a positivelens in the cemented lens in the second lens group and nd2n representsthe refractive index for the d line of a negative lens in the cementedlens in the second lens group.

Conditional Expression (2a) regulates a further preferable conditionalrange from the conditional range regulated by Conditional Expression (2)above. Therefore, the value of (nd2p-nd2n) satisfying ConditionalExpression (2a) enables further enhancement of the effect.

In the present embodiment, more preferably, the value of (nd2p−nd2n)satisfies the following Conditional Expression (2b):

nd2p−nd2n≥0.25  (2b)

where nd2p represents the refractive index for the d line of a positivelens in the cemented lens in the second lens group and nd2n representsthe refractive index for the d line of a negative lens in the cementedlens in the second lens group.

Conditional Expression (2b) regulates a more preferable conditionalrange than the conditional range regulated by Conditional Expression(2a) above. Therefore, the value of (nd2p-nd2n) satisfying ConditionalExpression (2b) enables further enhancement of the effect.

In the present embodiment, the lens groups on the image side from thefourth lens group include at least three positive lenses satisfying thefollowing Conditional Expression (3):

vdp≥60  (3)

where vdp represents the Abbe's number of each positive lens arranged onthe image side from the fourth lens group.

The at least three positive lenses satisfying Conditional Expression(3), arranged in the lens groups arranged on the image side from thefourth lens group, enables favorable correction of on-axis chromaticaberration and zooming chromatic aberration.

In the present embodiment, preferably, the at least three positivelenses each satisfy the following Conditional Expression (3a):

vdp≥65  (3a)

where vdp represents the Abbe's number of each positive lens arranged onthe image side from the fourth lens group.

Conditional Expression (3a) regulates a further preferable conditionalrange from the conditional range regulated by Conditional Expression (3)above. Therefore, the value of vdp satisfying Conditional Expression(3a) enables further enhancement of the effect.

In the present embodiment, preferably, the fourth lens group satisfiesthe following Conditional Expression (4):

0.6≤f4/ft≤1.6  (4)

where f4 represents the focal length of the fourth lens group.

Conditional Expression (4) regulates the condition for achievement ofangle widening at the wide end and favorable correction of aberrationover a wide zooming range, with the focal length of the fourth lensgroup properly set. If the value of f4/ft falls below the lower limit ofConditional Expression (4), the power of the fourth lens groupstrengthens excessively. Thus, spherical aberration varies largelymainly during zooming Meanwhile, if the value of f4/ft exceeds the upperlimit of Conditional Expression (4), the power of the fourth lens groupweakens excessively. Thus, the negative power of the second lens groupneeds weakening. However, if the negative power of the second lens groupdecreases, angle widening is difficult to achieve at the wide end.

In the present embodiment, preferably, f4/ft satisfies the followingConditional Expression (4a):

0.8≤f4/ft≤1.5  (4a)

where f4 represents the focal length of the fourth lens group.

Conditional Expression (4a) regulates a further preferable conditionalrange from the conditional range regulated by Conditional Expression (4)above. Therefore, the value of f4/ft satisfying Conditional Expression(4a) enables further enhancement of the effect.

In the present embodiment, the fifth lens group moves on the opticalaxis in focusing from a far-distance object to a near-distance object,and preferably the following Conditional Expression (5) is satisfied:

−2.0≤f5/f6≤−0.5  (5)

where f5 represents the focal length of the fifth lens group and f6represents the focal length of the sixth lens group.

Conditional Expression (5) is for inhibition of aberration variation dueto focusing, with a ratio in focal length properly set between the fifthlens group and the sixth lens group. The sixth lens group of whichrefractive power is positive corrects aberration that occurs due tomovement of the fifth lens group of which refractive power is negative.If f5/f6 falls below the lower limit of Conditional Expression (5), thepower of the fifth lens group to the sixth lens group weakensexcessively. Thus, the sixth lens group makes excessive aberrationcorrection, for example, to the variation of field curvature that occursin the fifth lens group during focusing. Meanwhile, if f5/f6 exceeds theupper limit of Conditional Expression (5), the power of the fifth lensgroup to the sixth lens group strengthens excessively. Thus, the sixthlens group makes insufficient aberration correction, for example, to thevariation of field curvature that occurs in the fifth lens group duringfocusing.

In the present embodiment, preferably, f5/f6 satisfies the followingConditional Expression (5a):

−1.7≤f5/f6≤−0.8  (5a)

where f5 represents the focal length of the fifth lens group and f6represents the focal length of the sixth lens group.

Conditional Expression (5a) regulates a further preferable conditionalrange from the conditional range regulated by Conditional Expression (5)above. Therefore, the value of f5/f6 satisfying Conditional Expression(5a) enables further enhancement of the effect.

In the present embodiment, preferably, the first lens group includes onepositive lens.

The first lens group of the zoom lens of which angle of view is wide atthe wide end (e.g., an angle of view of more than 80° at the wide end),is considerably large in lens diameter. The first lens group includingone positive lens enables achievement of weight reduction of the entirezoom lens.

<Specific Optical Configurations of Zoom Lenses According to Embodimentsof Present Invention>

FIGS. 1A to 8C are lens diagrams of the configurations of zoom lenses LNaccording to first to eighth embodiments, respectively. In FIGS. 1A to8C, the first to eighth embodiments are denoted with “EX1” to “EX8”,respectively. In FIGS. 1A to 8C, each A are a lens sectional view at thewide end (WIDE). Each B are a lens sectional view in the intermediatefocal-length state (MIDDLE). Each C are a lens sectional view at thetele end (TELE). In FIGS. 1A to 8C, “AX” represents the optical axis.FIGS. 1A to 8C each are a lens sectional view at the time of focusing onan infinite-distance object.

First Embodiment

As illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 1C, the zoom lens LN according to thefirst embodiment includes, in order from the object side, a first lensgroup G1 having positive refractive power, a second lens group G2 havingnegative refractive power, a third lens group G3 having positiverefractive power, a fourth lens group G4 having positive refractivepower, a fifth lens group G5 having negative refractive power, and asixth lens group G6 having positive refractive power. During zooming,the interval between adjacent two lens groups varies among the firstlens group G1, the second lens group G2, the third lens group G3, thefourth lens group G4, the fifth lens group G5, and the sixth lens groupG6. The first to fifth lens groups move with the sixth lens group fixed.At the time of focusing from a far-distance object to a near-distanceobject, the fifth lens group G5 moves toward the image plane IM alongthe optical axis AX.

Referring to FIGS. 1A to 1C, arrows indicate the movement loci of thelens groups at the time of zooming from the wide end to the tele end. Anarrow related to focus indicates the movement direction of the lensgroup at the time of focusing from the far-distance object to thenear-distance object (similarly in FIGS. 2A to 8C).

The first lens group G1 includes one positive lens 11. The positive lens11 is a positive meniscus lens having a convex face facing the objectside.

The second lens group G2 includes a negative meniscus lens 21 having aconvex face facing the object side, a negative meniscus lens 22 having aconvex face facing the object side, a biconcave negative lens 23, and apositive lens 24. The negative lens 23 and the positive lens 24 cementedtogether forms a cemented lens. In the first embodiment, the positivelens 24 is a biconvex lens.

The third lens group G3 includes a negative meniscus lens 31 having aconvex face facing the object side and a positive meniscus lens 32having a convex face facing the object side. The negative meniscus lens31 and the positive meniscus lens 32 cemented together forms a cementedlens.

The fourth lens group G4 includes a biconvex positive lens 41, abiconcave negative lens 42, a biconvex positive lens 43, a biconvexpositive lens 44, a negative meniscus lens 45 having a convex facefacing the object side, and a positive lens 46. The negative lens 42 andthe positive lens 43 cemented together forms a cemented lens. Thenegative meniscus lens 45 and the positive lens 46 cemented togetherforms a cemented lens. In the first embodiment, the positive lens 46 isa positive meniscus lens having a convex face facing the object side. Anaperture stop ST is arranged between the positive lens 41 and thenegative lens 42.

The fifth lens group G5 includes a negative meniscus lens 51 having aconvex face facing the object side and a positive meniscus lens 52having a convex face facing the object side. The negative meniscus lens51 and the positive meniscus lens 52 cemented together forms a cementedlens.

The sixth lens group G6 includes a biconvex positive lens 61 and anegative lens 62. In the first embodiment, the negative lens 62 is aplano-concave lens having a concave on the object side.

Second Embodiment

As illustrated in FIGS. 2A to 2C, the zoom lens LN according to thesecond embodiment includes, in order from the object side, a first lensgroup G1 having positive refractive power, a second lens group G2 havingnegative refractive power, a third lens group G3 having positiverefractive power, a fourth lens group G4 having positive refractivepower, a fifth lens group G5 having negative refractive power, and asixth lens group G6 having positive refractive power. During zooming,the interval between adjacent two lens groups varies among the firstlens group G1, the second lens group G2, the third lens group G3, thefourth lens group G4, the fifth lens group G5, and the sixth lens groupG6. The first to fifth lens groups move with the sixth lens group fixed.At the time of focusing from a far-distance object to a near-distanceobject, the fifth lens group G5 moves toward the image plane IM alongthe optical axis AX.

The first lens group G1 includes one positive lens 11. The positive lens11 is a positive meniscus lens having a convex face facing the objectside.

The second lens group G2 includes a negative meniscus lens 21 having aconvex face facing the object side, a negative meniscus lens 22 having aconvex face facing the object side, a biconcave negative lens 23, and apositive lens 24. The negative lens 23 and the positive lens 24 cementedtogether forms a cemented lens. In the second embodiment, the positivelens 24 is a plano-convex lens having a convex face facing the objectside.

The third lens group G3 includes a negative meniscus lens 31 having aconvex face facing the object side and a positive meniscus lens 32having a convex face facing the object side. The negative meniscus lens31 and the positive meniscus lens 32 cemented together forms a cementedlens.

The fourth lens group G4 includes a biconvex positive lens 41, abiconcave negative lens 42, a biconvex positive lens 43, a biconvexpositive lens 44, a negative meniscus lens 45 having a convex facefacing the object side, and a positive lens 46. The negative lens 42 andthe positive lens 43 cemented together forms a cemented lens. Thenegative meniscus lens 45 and the positive lens 46 cemented togetherforms a cemented lens. In the second embodiment, the positive lens 46 isa biconvex lens. An aperture stop ST is arranged between the positivelens 41 and the negative lens 42.

The fifth lens group G5 includes a negative meniscus lens 51 having aconvex face facing the object side and a positive meniscus lens 52having a convex face facing the object side. The negative meniscus lens51 and the positive meniscus lens 52 cemented together forms a cementedlens.

The sixth lens group G6 includes a biconvex positive lens 61 and anegative lens 62. In the second embodiment, the negative lens 62 is anegative meniscus lens having a convex face facing the object side.

Third Embodiment

As illustrated in FIGS. 3A to 3C, the zoom lens LN according to thethird embodiment includes, in order from the object side, a first lensgroup G1 having positive refractive power, a second lens group G2 havingnegative refractive power, a third lens group G3 having positiverefractive power, a fourth lens group G4 having positive refractivepower, a fifth lens group G5 having negative refractive power, and asixth lens group G6 having positive refractive power. During zooming,the interval between adjacent two lens groups varies among the firstlens group G1, the second lens group G2, the third lens group G3, thefourth lens group G4, the fifth lens group G5, and the sixth lens groupG6. The first to fifth lens groups move with the sixth lens group fixed.At the time of focusing from a far-distance object to a near-distanceobject, the fifth lens group G5 moves toward the image plane IM alongthe optical axis AX.

The first lens group G1 includes one positive lens 11. The positive lens11 is a positive meniscus lens having a convex face facing the objectside.

The second lens group G2 includes a negative meniscus lens 21 having aconvex face facing the object side, a negative meniscus lens 22 having aconvex face facing the object side, a biconcave negative lens 23, and apositive lens 24. The negative lens 23 and the positive lens 24 cementedtogether forms a cemented lens. In the third embodiment, the positivelens 24 is a positive meniscus lens having a convex face facing theobject side.

The third lens group G3 includes a negative meniscus lens 31 having aconvex face facing the object side and a positive meniscus lens 32having a convex face facing the object side. The negative meniscus lens31 and the positive meniscus lens 32 cemented together forms a cementedlens.

The fourth lens group G4 includes a biconvex positive lens 41, abiconcave negative lens 42, a biconvex positive lens 43, a biconvexpositive lens 44, a negative meniscus lens 45 having a convex facefacing the object side, and a positive lens 46. The negative lens 42 andthe positive lens 43 cemented together forms a cemented lens. Thenegative meniscus lens 45 and the positive lens 46 cemented togetherforms a cemented lens. In the third embodiment, the positive lens 46 isa positive meniscus lens having a convex face facing the object side. Anaperture stop ST is arranged between the positive lens 41 and thenegative lens 42.

The fifth lens group G5 includes a negative meniscus lens 51 having aconvex face facing the object side and a positive meniscus lens 52having a convex face facing the object side. The negative meniscus lens51 and the positive meniscus lens 52 cemented together forms a cementedlens.

The sixth lens group G6 includes a biconvex positive lens 61 and anegative lens 62. In the third embodiment, the negative lens 62 is aplano-concave lens having a concave on the object side.

Fourth Embodiment

As illustrated in FIGS. 4A to 4C, the zoom lens LN according to thefourth embodiment includes, in order from the object side, a first lensgroup G1 having positive refractive power, a second lens group G2 havingnegative refractive power, a third lens group G3 having positiverefractive power, a fourth lens group G4 having positive refractivepower, a fifth lens group G5 having negative refractive power, and asixth lens group G6 having positive refractive power. During zooming,the interval between adjacent two lens groups varies among the firstlens group G1, the second lens group G2, the third lens group G3, thefourth lens group G4, the fifth lens group G5, and the sixth lens groupG6. The first to fifth lens groups move with the sixth lens group fixed.At the time of focusing from a far-distance object to a near-distanceobject, the fifth lens group G5 moves toward the image plane IM alongthe optical axis AX.

The first lens group G1 includes one positive lens 11. The positive lens11 is a positive meniscus lens having a convex face facing the objectside.

The second lens group G2 includes a negative meniscus lens 21 having aconvex face facing the object side, a negative meniscus lens 22 having aconvex face facing the object side, a biconcave negative lens 23, and apositive lens 24. The negative lens 23 and the positive lens 24 cementedtogether forms a cemented lens. In the fourth embodiment, the positivelens 24 is a biconvex lens.

The third lens group G3 includes a negative meniscus lens 31 having aconvex face facing the object side and a positive meniscus lens 32having a convex face facing the object side. The negative meniscus lens31 and the positive meniscus lens 32 cemented together forms a cementedlens.

The fourth lens group G4 includes a biconvex positive lens 41, abiconcave negative lens 42, a biconvex positive lens 43, a biconvexpositive lens 44, a negative meniscus lens 45 having a convex facefacing the object side, and a positive lens 46. The negative lens 42 andthe positive lens 43 cemented together forms a cemented lens. Thenegative meniscus lens 45 and the positive lens 46 cemented togetherforms a cemented lens. In the fourth embodiment, the positive lens 46 isa positive meniscus lens having a convex face facing the object side. Anaperture stop ST is arranged between the positive lens 41 and thenegative lens 42.

The fifth lens group G5 includes a negative meniscus lens 51 having aconvex face facing the object side and a positive meniscus lens 52having a convex face facing the object side. The negative meniscus lens51 and the positive meniscus lens 52 cemented together forms a cementedlens.

The sixth lens group G6 includes a biconvex positive lens 61 and anegative lens 62. In the fourth embodiment, the negative lens 62 is anegative meniscus lens having a convex face facing the object side.

Fifth Embodiment

As illustrated in FIGS. 5A to 5C, the zoom lens LN according to thefifth embodiment includes, in order from the object side, a first lensgroup G1 having positive refractive power, a second lens group G2 havingnegative refractive power, a third lens group G3 having positiverefractive power, a fourth lens group G4 having positive refractivepower, a fifth lens group G5 having negative refractive power, and asixth lens group G6 having positive refractive power. During zooming,the interval between adjacent two lens groups varies among the firstlens group G1, the second lens group G2, the third lens group G3, thefourth lens group G4, the fifth lens group G5, and the sixth lens groupG6. The first to fifth lens groups move with the sixth lens group fixed.At the time of focusing from a far-distance object to a near-distanceobject, the fifth lens group G5 moves toward the image plane IM alongthe optical axis AX.

The first lens group G1 includes one positive lens 11. The positive lens11 is a positive meniscus lens having a convex face facing the objectside.

The second lens group G2 includes a negative meniscus lens 21 having aconvex face facing the object side, a negative meniscus lens 22 having aconvex face facing the object side, a biconcave negative lens 23, and apositive lens 24. The negative lens 23 and the positive lens 24 cementedtogether forms a cemented lens. In the fifth embodiment, the positivelens 24 is a biconvex lens.

The third lens group G3 includes a negative meniscus lens 31 having aconvex face facing the object side and a positive meniscus lens 32having a convex face facing the object side. The negative meniscus lens31 and the positive meniscus lens 32 cemented together forms a cementedlens.

The fourth lens group G4 includes a biconvex positive lens 41, abiconcave negative lens 42, a biconvex positive lens 43, a biconvexpositive lens 44, a negative meniscus lens 45 having a convex facefacing the object side, and a positive lens 46. The negative lens 42 andthe positive lens 43 cemented together forms a cemented lens. Thenegative meniscus lens 45 and the positive lens 46 cemented togetherforms a cemented lens. In the fifth embodiment, the positive lens 46 isa positive meniscus lens having a convex face facing the object side. Anaperture stop ST is arranged between the positive lens 41 and thenegative lens 42.

The fifth lens group G5 includes a negative meniscus lens 51 having aconvex face facing the object side and a positive meniscus lens 52having a convex face facing the object side. The negative meniscus lens51 and the positive meniscus lens 52 cemented together forms a cementedlens.

The sixth lens group G6 includes a biconvex positive lens 61 and anegative lens 62. In the fifth embodiment, the negative lens 62 is aplano-concave lens having a concave on the object side.

Sixth Embodiment

As illustrated in FIGS. 6A to 6C, the zoom lens LN according to thesixth embodiment includes, in order from the object side, a first lensgroup G1 having positive refractive power, a second lens group G2 havingnegative refractive power, a third lens group G3 having positiverefractive power, a fourth lens group G4 having positive refractivepower, a fifth lens group G5 having negative refractive power, and asixth lens group G6 having positive refractive power. During zooming,the interval between adjacent two lens groups varies among the firstlens group G1, the second lens group G2, the third lens group G3, thefourth lens group G4, the fifth lens group G5, and the sixth lens groupG6. The first to fifth lens groups move with the sixth lens group fixed.At the time of focusing from a far-distance object to a near-distanceobject, the fifth lens group G5 moves toward the image plane IM alongthe optical axis AX.

The first lens group G1 includes one positive lens 11. The positive lens11 is a positive meniscus lens having a convex face facing the objectside.

The second lens group G2 includes a negative meniscus lens 21 having aconvex face facing the object side, a negative meniscus lens 22 having aconvex face facing the object side, a biconcave negative lens 23, and apositive lens 24. The negative lens 23 and the positive lens 24 cementedtogether forms a cemented lens. In the sixth embodiment, the positivelens 24 is a biconvex lens.

The third lens group G3 includes a negative meniscus lens 31 having aconvex face facing the object side and a positive meniscus lens 32having a convex face facing the object side. The negative meniscus lens31 and the positive meniscus lens 32 cemented together forms a cementedlens.

The fourth lens group G4 includes a biconvex positive lens 41, abiconcave negative lens 42, a biconvex positive lens 43, a biconvexpositive lens 44, a negative meniscus lens 45 having a convex facefacing the object side, and a positive lens 46. The negative lens 42 andthe positive lens 43 cemented together forms a cemented lens. Thenegative meniscus lens 45 and the positive lens 46 cemented togetherforms a cemented lens. In the sixth embodiment, the positive lens 46 isa positive meniscus lens having a convex face facing the object side. Anaperture stop ST is arranged between the positive lens 41 and thenegative lens 42.

The fifth lens group G5 includes a negative meniscus lens 51 having aconvex face facing the object side and a positive meniscus lens 52having a convex face facing the object side. The negative meniscus lens51 and the positive meniscus lens 52 cemented together forms a cementedlens.

The sixth lens group G6 includes a biconvex positive lens 61 and anegative lens 62. In the sixth embodiment, the negative lens 62 is anegative meniscus lens having a convex face facing the object side.

Seventh Embodiment

As illustrated in FIGS. 7A to 7C, the zoom lens LN according to theseventh embodiment includes, in order from the object side, a first lensgroup G1 having positive refractive power, a second lens group G2 havingnegative refractive power, a third lens group G3 having positiverefractive power, a fourth lens group G4 having positive refractivepower, a fifth lens group G5 having negative refractive power, and asixth lens group G6 having positive refractive power. During zooming,the interval between adjacent two lens groups varies among the firstlens group G1, the second lens group G2, the third lens group G3, thefourth lens group G4, the fifth lens group G5, and the sixth lens groupG6. The first to fifth lens groups move with the sixth lens group fixed.At the time of focusing from a far-distance object to a near-distanceobject, the fifth lens group G5 moves toward the image plane IM alongthe optical axis AX.

The first lens group G1 includes one positive lens 11. The positive lens11 is a positive meniscus lens having a convex face facing the objectside.

The second lens group G2 includes a negative meniscus lens 21 having aconvex face facing the object side, a negative meniscus lens 22 having aconvex face facing the object side, a biconcave negative lens 23, and apositive lens 24. The negative lens 23 and the positive lens 24 cementedtogether forms a cemented lens. In the seventh embodiment, the positivelens 24 is a plano-convex lens having a convex face facing the objectside.

The third lens group G3 includes a negative meniscus lens 31 having aconvex face facing the object side and a positive meniscus lens 32having a convex face facing the object side. The negative meniscus lens31 and the positive meniscus lens 32 cemented together forms a cementedlens.

The fourth lens group G4 includes a biconvex positive lens 41, abiconcave negative lens 42, a biconvex positive lens 43, a biconvexpositive lens 44, a negative meniscus lens 45 having a convex facefacing the object side, and a positive lens 46. The negative lens 42 andthe positive lens 43 cemented together forms a cemented lens. Thenegative meniscus lens 45 and the positive lens 46 cemented togetherforms a cemented lens. In the seventh embodiment, the positive lens 46is a plano-convex lens having a convex face facing the object side. Anaperture stop ST is arranged between the positive lens 41 and thenegative lens 42.

The fifth lens group G5 includes a negative meniscus lens 51 having aconvex face facing the object side and a positive meniscus lens 52having a convex face facing the object side. The negative meniscus lens51 and the positive meniscus lens 52 cemented together forms a cementedlens.

The sixth lens group G6 includes a biconvex positive lens 61 and anegative lens 62. In the seventh embodiment, the negative lens 62 is anegative meniscus lens having a convex face facing the object side.

Eighth Embodiment

As illustrated in FIGS. 8A to 8C, the zoom lens LN according to theeighth embodiment includes, in order from the object side, a first lensgroup G1 having positive refractive power, a second lens group G2 havingnegative refractive power, a third lens group G3 having positiverefractive power, a fourth lens group G4 having positive refractivepower, a fifth lens group G5 having negative refractive power, and asixth lens group G6 having positive refractive power. During zooming,the interval between adjacent two lens groups varies among the firstlens group G1, the second lens group G2, the third lens group G3, thefourth lens group G4, the fifth lens group G5, and the sixth lens groupG6. The first to fifth lens groups move with the sixth lens group fixed.At the time of focusing from a far-distance object to a near-distanceobject, the fifth lens group G5 moves toward the image plane IM alongthe optical axis AX.

The first lens group G1 includes one positive lens 11. The positive lens11 is a positive meniscus lens having a convex face facing the objectside.

The second lens group G2 includes a negative meniscus lens 21 having aconvex face facing the object side, a negative meniscus lens 22 having aconvex face facing the object side, a biconcave negative lens 23, and apositive lens 24. The negative lens 23 and the positive lens 24 cementedtogether forms a cemented lens. In the eighth embodiment, the positivelens 24 is a plano-convex lens having a convex face facing the objectside.

The third lens group G3 includes a negative meniscus lens 31 having aconvex face facing the object side and a positive meniscus lens 32having a convex face facing the object side. The negative meniscus lens31 and the positive meniscus lens 32 cemented together forms a cementedlens.

The fourth lens group G4 includes a biconvex positive lens 41, abiconcave negative lens 42, a biconvex positive lens 43, a biconvexpositive lens 44, a negative meniscus lens 45 having a convex facefacing the object side, and a positive lens 46. The negative lens 42 andthe positive lens 43 cemented together forms a cemented lens. Thenegative meniscus lens 45 and the positive lens 46 cemented togetherforms a cemented lens. In the eighth embodiment, the positive lens 46 isa biconvex lens. An aperture stop ST is arranged between the positivelens 41 and the negative lens 42.

The fifth lens group G5 includes a negative meniscus lens 51 having aconvex face facing the object side and a positive meniscus lens 52having a convex face facing the object side. The negative meniscus lens51 and the positive meniscus lens 52 cemented together forms a cementedlens.

The sixth lens group G6 includes a biconvex positive lens 61 and anegative lens 62. In the eighth embodiment, the negative lens 62 is anegative meniscus lens having a convex face facing the object side.

EXAMPLES

The configurations of zoom lens according to embodiments of the presentinvention will be further specifically described below, for example,with pieces of constructive data of Examples. Examples 1 to 8 (EXs 1 to8) given herein are numerical examples corresponding to the first toeighth embodiments described above, respectively. Thus, the lensdiagrams indicating the first to eighth embodiments (FIGS. 1A to 8C)indicate the optical configurations of the corresponding Examples 1 to 8(e.g., lens arrangements and lens shapes).

For the constructive data of each Example, as face data, provided are,in order from the left, face number # (object represents the objectplane, stop represents the aperture stop, and image represents the imageplane), the radius of curvature r (mm), on-axis face interval d (mm),refractive index nd for the d line (wavelength of 587.56 nm), and Abbe'snumber vd for the d line. A face with a face number denoted with * is anaspheric face. The shape of the face is defined by the followingExpression (AS) with a local Cartesian coordinate system (x, y, z) withthe vertex of the face as the origin. As aspheric data, for example,aspheric constants are provided. Note that, in the aspheric data of eachExample, the constant for an absent term is zero, and the followingexpression is satisfied for all data:

e−n=×10^(−n)

z=(c·h ²)/[1+√{1−(1+K)·c ² ·h ²}]+Σ(Aj·hj)  (AS)

where h represents the height in the direction perpendicular to the zaxis (optical axis AX) (h²=x²+y²), z represents the sag in the directionof the optical axis AX at the height h (with respect to the vertex ofthe face), c represents the curvature at the vertex of the face(reciprocal of the radius of curvature r), K represents the conicconstant, and Aj represents the j-order aspheric constant.

As various types of data, provided are zoom ratio (zoom ratio), and thefocal length of the entire system (F1, mm), f-number (Fno.), the halfangle of view (ω,°), image height (y′max, mm), lens total length (TL,mm), backfocus (BF, mm), and variable on-axis face interval (variable:di (i represents the face number), mm), in the respective focal-lengthstates for the wide end (wide), the intermediate focal-length state(middle), and the tele end (tele). As lens-group data, the focal length(mm) of each lens group is provided. Note that the backfocus BF isexpressed by air conversion in length of the distance from the lensbackmost face to the paraxial image plane. The lens total length TL isacquired by adding the backfocus BF to the distance from the lensfrontmost face to the lens backmost face.

FIGS. 9A to 16C are longitudinal aberration diagrams corresponding toExamples 1 to 8 (EXs 1 to 8). In FIGS. 9A to 16C, each A illustrateaberration (spherical aberration, astigmatism, and distortionaberration) at the wide end (WIDE). Each B illustrate aberration(spherical aberration, astigmatism, and distortion aberration) in theintermediate focal-length state (MIDDLE). Each C illustrate aberration(spherical aberration, astigmatism, and distortion aberration) at thetele end (TELE).

In each spherical aberration diagram, the amount of spherical aberrationfor the d line (wavelength of 587.56 nm) (indicated with a solid line),the amount of spherical aberration for the C line (wavelength of 656.28nm) (indicated with a dot-and-dash line), and the amount of sphericalaberration for the g line (wavelength of 435.84 nm) (indicated with abroken line) each are expressed by the amount of deviation in focalposition (unit: mm) in the direction of the optical axis AX from theparaxial image plane. The vertical axis indicates the value acquired bynormalizing the incident height to the pupil by the maximum heightthereof (namely, relative pupil height).

In each astigmatism diagram, broken line T indicates a tangential imageplane for the d line expressed by the amount of deviation in focalposition (unit: mm) in the direction of the optical axis AX from theparaxial image plane, and solid line S indicates a sagittal image planefor the d line expressed by the amount of deviation in focal position(unit: mm) in the direction of the optical axis AX from the paraxialimage plane. The vertical axis indicates the image height (IMG HT, unit:mm).

In each distortion aberration diagram, the horizontal axis indicatesdistortion for the d line expressed by the ratio of the actual imageheight to the ideal image height (unit: %), and the vertical axisindicates the image height (IMG HT, unit: mm). Note that the maximumvalue of the image height IMG HT (namely, maximum image height y′max)corresponds to half of the diagonal length of the light-receiving faceSS of an image pickup element SR (namely, diagonal image height).

Numerical Example 1

Unit: mm Face data # r d nd vd object infinity infinity  1 112.035 9.7971.51680 64.20  2 43981.585 variable  3 247.707 2.757 1.66672 48.32  420.973 10.381   5* 656.496 2.626 1.58313 59.38  6* 58.066 7.479  7−34.706 1.720 1.49700 81.61  8 131.474 4.834 2.00100 29.13  9 −170.678variable 10 81.006 1.720 1.59349 67.00 11 44.945 4.096 1.90366 31.31 12102.747 variable 13* 163.413 3.552 1.58313 59.38 14* −136.726 4.239 15(stop) infinity 3.422 16 −196.202 2.101 1.72342 37.99 17 56.940 10.414 1.59282 68.62 18 −61.456 0.263 19 130.807 11.188  1.49700 81.61 20−38.205 0.263 21 64.502 2.101 1.73800 32.26 22 21.084 11.678  1.5928268.62 23 320.002 variable 24 217.453 1.260 1.76200 40.10 25 16.433 4.0621.84666 23.78 26 25.892 variable 27 27.994 10.461  1.49700 81.61 28−36.756 0.815 29* −120.666 1.969 1.80860 40.42 30* infinity 19.841 image infinity Aspheric data # K A4 A6 A8 5  0.0000e+000 3.5199e−005−1.1916e−007 3.4064e−010 A10 A12 A14 A16 −6.6773e−013 4.5909e−016 0.0000e+000 0.0000e+000 Aspheric data # K A4 A6 A8 6  0.0000e+0002.9989e−005 −1.3123e−007 3.6001e−010 A10 A12 A14 A16 −8.8214e−0137.2946e−016  0.0000e+000 0.0000e+000 Aspheric data # K A4 A6 A8 13 0.0000e+000 −5.7889e−006 −6.6072e−009 2.6841e−011 A10 A12 A14 A16−3.4023e−014  0.0000e+000  0.0000e+000 0.0000e+000 Aspheric data # K A4A6 A8 14 0.0000e+000 4.3155e−006 2.2768e−010 2.3434e−011 A10 A12 A14 A160.0000e+000 0.0000e+000 0.0000e+000 0.0000e+000 Aspheric data # K A4 A6A8 29  0.0000e+000 −3.2438e−005 9.3786e−008 −7.9706e−011 A10 A12 A14 A16−2.0838e−013  0.0000e+000 0.0000e+000  0.0000e+000 Aspheric data # K A4A6 A8 30  0.0000e+000 −2.4917e−005 1.0185e−007 −7.8851e−011 A10 A12 A14A16 −1.5816e−013  0.0000e+000 0.0000e+000  0.0000e+000 Various types ofdata zoom ratio 1.97 Wide Middle Tele F1 16.149 22.712 31.839 Fno. 2.0002.000 2.000 ω 41.326 32.014 24.036 y′max 14.200 14.200 14.200 TL 191.408193.151 203.700 BF 37.853 37.853 37.853 d2 0.788 12.535 24.970 d9 10.7435.003 1.313 d12 21.517 10.404 2.709 d23 3.282 8.967 15.214 d26 5.9967.160 10.411 Lens-group data Group (faces) F1 1 (1-2) 217.325 2 (3-9)−21.113 3 (10-12) 174.955 4 (13-23) 35.956 5 (24-26) −42.820 6 (27-30)41.859

Numerical Example 2

Unit: mm Face data # r d nd vd object infinity infinity  1 97.798 7.4461.62299 58.12  2 239.554 variable  3 111.538 3.020 1.83400 37.16  424.388 12.132   5* 350.236 2.626 1.58313 59.46  6* 32.444 8.393  7−57.405 1.983 1.49700 81.61  8 54.472 5.992 2.00100 29.13  9 infinityvariable 10 126.889 1.720 1.48749 70.44 11 41.720 4.614 1.80100 34.97 12131.111 variable 13* 93.219 4.497 1.58313 59.46 14* −182.072 3.738 15(stop) infinity 5.289 16 −81.847 1.969 1.72047 34.71 17 73.954 10.137 1.48749 70.44 18 −56.054 0.197 19 73.077 11.771  1.49700 81.61 20−52.330 0.197 21 60.046 2.102 1.80100 34.97 22 23.481 13.469  1.5928268.62 23 −282.247 variable 24 319.332 1.221 1.76200 40.10 25 17.1243.913 1.80518 25.46 26 27.020 variable 27 29.938 11.743  1.49700 81.6128 −29.938 0.760 29* −96.289 1.838 1.80610 40.73 30* −1312.991 19.850 image infinity Aspheric data # K A4 A6 A8 5  0.0000e+000 6.4219e−006−3.5838e−008 1.0623e−010 A10 A12 A14 A16 −1.9974e−013 1.5034e−016 0.0000e+000 0.0000e+000 Aspheric data # K A4 A6 A8 6  0.0000e+0008.2647e−008 −4.9705e−008 1.5339e−010 A10 A12 A14 A16 −3.6618e−0133.4720e−016  0.0000e+000 0.0000e+000 Aspheric data # K A4 A6 A8 13 0.0000e+000 −2.5035e−006 −2.4245e−009 2.0117e−012 A10 A12 A14 A16−4.2546e−015  0.0000e+000  0.0000e+000 0.0000e+000 Aspheric data # K A4A6 A8 14 0.0000e+000 3.8466e−006 −6.5759e−010 2.0793e−012 A10 A12 A14A16 0.0000e+000 0.0000e+000  0.0000e+000 0.0000e+000 Aspheric data # KA4 A6 A8 29  0.0000e+000 −4.2929e−005 6.4523e−008 1.4232e−010 A10 A12A14 A16 −8.5105e−013  0.0000e+000 0.0000e+000 0.0000e+000 Aspheric data# K A4 A6 A8 30  0.0000e+000 −3.3180e−005 8.5486e−008 5.0997e−011 A10A12 A14 A16 −5.6758e−013  0.0000e+000 0.0000e+000 0.0000e+000 Varioustypes of data zoom ratio 2.35 Wide Middle Tele F1 13.523 20.744 31.838Fno. 2.200 2.200 2.200 ω 46.400 34.394 24.037 y′max 14.200 14.200 14.200TL 195.068 191.713 208.161 BF 19.850 19.850 19.850 d2 0.788 14.60733.051 d9 29.159 11.896 2.317 d12 17.106 7.955 1.987 d23 3.282 11.07619.675 d26 4.117 5.563 10.515 Lens-group data Group (faces) F1 1 (1-2)260.041 2 (3-9) −21.502 3 (10-12) 184.564 4 (13-23) 39.379 5 (24-26)−40.767 6 (27-30) 40.882

Numerical Example 3

Unit: mm # r d nd vd object infinity infinity  1 114.380 6.500 1.7170047.98  2 227.770 variable  3 117.378 3.151 1.83400 37.34  4 24.995 9.517 5* 58.067 2.626 1.58313 59.38  6* 26.223 11.955   7 −50.973 1.9831.49700 81.61  8 52.019 6.659 2.00100 29.13  9 1282.529 variable 1057.845 2.232 1.59349 67.00 11 48.205 3.863 1.84666 23.78 12 74.404variable 13* 158.330 3.643 1.58313 59.38 14* −160.994 4.010 15 (stop)infinity 3.638 16 −174.892 2.101 1.72047 34.71 17 48.612 11.265  1.5928268.62 18 −77.512 0.263 19 107.992 12.342  1.49700 81.61 20 −41.323 0.26321 59.773 2.101 1.80610 33.27 22 23.768 12.103  1.59282 68.62 23 800.730variable 24 204.641 1.260 1.76200 40.10 25 17.181 3.866 1.84666 23.78 2626.153 variable 27 28.250 10.584  1.49700 81.61 28 −35.218 0.688 29*−103.890 1.838 1.80860 40.42 30* infinity 19.847  image infinityAspheric data # K A4 A6 A8 5 0.0000e+000  7.4972e−006 −3.0177e−0083.7983e−011 A10 A12 A14 A16 4.3914e−015 −5.7241e−017  0.0000e+0000.0000e+000 Aspheric data # K A4 A6 A8 6 0.0000e+000 −5.0236e−007−4.4365e−008 2.2291e−011 A10 A12 A14 A16 5.2462e−014 −1.5899e−016 0.0000e+000 0.0000e+000 Aspheric data # K A4 A6 A8 13  0.0000e+000−5.6908e−006 −8.9796e−009 2.7547e−011 A10 A12 A14 A16 −8.3343e−015 0.0000e+000  0.0000e+000 0.0000e+000 Aspheric data # K A4 A6 A8 140.0000e+000 2.4077e−006 −5.0212e−009 2.9044e−011 A10 A12 A14 A160.0000e+000 0.0000e+000  0.0000e+000 0.0000e+000 Aspheric data # K A4 A6A8 29  0.0000e+000 −1.4146e−005 3.3607e−008 −1.0652e−010 A10 A12 A14 A16−2.4324e−014  0.0000e+000 0.0000e+000  0.0000e+000 Aspheric data # K A4A6 A8 30  0.0000e+000 −3.8458e−006 3.8480e−008 −9.6114e−011 A10 A12 A14A16 −6.8648e−016  0.0000e+000 0.0000e+000  0.0000e+000 Various types ofdata zoom ratio 2.35 Wide Middle Tele F1 13.523 20.742 31.840 Fno. 2.2002.200 2.200 ω 46.399 34.395 24.036 y′max 14.200 14.200 14.200 TL 211.113208.963 223.025 BF 37.733 37.733 37.733 d2 0.788 17.070 33.350 d9 31.28712.755 1.313 d12 17.249 8.612 3.459 d23 3.282 10.779 19.666 d26 4.1645.403 10.892 Lens-group data Group (faces) F1 1 (1-2) 312.954 2 (3-9)−23.648 3 (10-12) 217.947 4 (13-23) 38.805 5 (24-26) −43.358 6 (27-30)42.928

Numerical Example 4

Unit: mm # r d nd vd object infinity infinity  1 102.800 6.912 1.7433049.22  2 206.015 variable  3 102.837 3.020 1.91082 35.25  4 24.039 9.368 5* 53.438 2.626 1.58313 59.38  6* 25.990 11.076   7 −45.752 1.9831.49700 81.61  8 59.851 6.314 2.00100 29.13  9 −1250.354 variable 1076.209 1.851 1.48749 70.44 11 48.642 3.952 1.84666 23.78 12 91.135variable 13* 157.123 3.572 1.58313 59.38 14* −176.090 3.967 15 (stop)infinity 3.393 16 −228.783 2.101 1.76200 40.10 17 38.136 13.571  1.5928268.62 18 −62.276 0.263 19 82.297 13.672  1.49700 81.61 20 −42.036 0.26321 61.998 2.101 1.80610 33.27 22 22.748 12.065  1.59282 68.62 23 235.084variable 24 181.236 1.260 1.76200 40.10 25 17.349 3.832 1.84666 23.78 2626.272 variable 27 28.201 10.783  1.49700 81.61 28 −34.501 0.692 29*−94.394 1.838 1.80860 40.42 30* −3865.509 19.851  image infinityAspheric data # K A4 A6 A8 5  0.0000e+000 5.0573e−006 −4.0151e−0081.1889e−010 A10 A12 A14 A16 −2.0064e−013 1.0081e−016  0.0000e+0000.0000e+000 Aspheric data # K A4 A6 A8 6  0.0000e+000 −4.3685e−006−6.3430e−008 1.6916e−010 A10 A12 A14 A16 −3.7142e−013  2.3792e−016 0.0000e+000 0.0000e+000 Aspheric data # K A4 A6 A8 13  0.0000e+000−5.5264e−006 −8.9029e−009 2.5309e−011 A10 A12 A14 A16 −6.7619e−015 0.0000e+000  0.0000e+000 0.0000e+000 Aspheric data # K A4 A6 A8 140.0000e+000 2.6556e−006 −5.1768e−009 2.7037e−011 A10 A12 A14 A160.0000e+000 0.0000e+000  0.0000e+000 0.0000e+000 Aspheric data # K A4 A6A8 29  0.0000e+000 −8.1540e−006 −3.3874e−008 1.7956e−010 A10 A12 A14 A16−5.0260e−013  0.0000e+000  0.0000e+000 0.0000e+000 Aspheric data # K A4A6 A8 30  0.0000e+000 2.8799e−006 −3.3871e−008 2.0673e−010 A10 A12 A14A16 −5.0303e−013 0.0000e+000  0.0000e+000 0.0000e+000 Various types ofdata zoom ratio 2.35 Wide Middle Tele F1 13.523 20.742 31.840 Fno. 2.2002.200 2.200 ω 46.399 34.395 24.036 y′max 14.200 14.200 14.200 TL 195.069194.313 207.662 BF 19.851 19.851 19.851 d2 0.788 17.533 32.715 d9 23.85310.140 1.486 d12 22.612 10.389 3.023 d23 3.282 10.771 19.647 d26 4.2115.156 10.467 Lens-group data Group (faces) F1 1 (1-2) 268.386 2 (3-9)−21.979 3 (10-12) 209.264 4 (13-23) 38.931 5 (24-26) −44.535 6 (27-30)43.339

Numerical Example 5

Unit: mm # r d nd vd object infinity infinity  1 97.661 7.474 1.6584450.85  2 216.264 variable  3 103.052 3.020 1.91082 35.25  4 23.68210.138   5* 81.876 2.626 1.58313 59.38  6* 29.732 10.395   7 −45.5201.983 1.49700 81.61  8 60.836 6.396 2.00100 29.13  9 −533.026 variable10 76.916 1.851 1.48749 70.44 11 52.134 3.920 1.84666 23.78 12 99.241variable 13* 142.657 3.600 1.58313 59.38 14* −199.337 3.939 15 (stop)infinity 3.290 16 −270.726 2.101 1.76200 40.10 17 38.165 13.730  1.5928268.62 18 −61.732 0.263 19 80.155 13.545  1.49700 81.61 20 −42.906 0.26321 64.916 2.101 1.80610 33.27 22 22.495 11.998  1.59282 68.62 23 224.702variable 24 227.061 1.260 1.76200 40.10 25 17.380 3.792 1.84666 23.78 2626.633 variable 27 27.802 10.871  1.49700 81.61 28 −34.411 0.669 29*−103.935 1.838 1.80860 40.42 30* infinity 19.851  image infinityAspheric data # K A4 A6 A8 5  0.0000e+000 1.1671e−005 −6.0195e−0081.7505e−010 A10 A12 A14 A16 −3.0259e−013 1.8490e−016  0.0000e+0000.0000e+000 Aspheric data # K A4 A6 A8 6  0.0000e+000 4.1973e−006−8.1751e−008 2.3628e−010 A10 A12 A14 A16 −5.1144e−013 3.9485e−016 0.0000e+000 0.0000e+000 Aspheric data # K A4 A6 A8 13  0.0000e+000−5.0290e−006 −7.3270e−009 1.6227e−011 A10 A12 A14 A16 −8.3007e−015 0.0000e+000  0.0000e+000 0.0000e+000 Aspheric data # K A4 A6 A8 140.0000e+000 2.9050e−006 −3.6769e−009 1.6458e−011 A10 A12 A14 A160.0000e+000 0.0000e+000  0.0000e+000 0.0000e+000 Aspheric data # K A4 A6A8 29  0.0000e+000 −1.4930e−005 1.6288e−008 2.2616e−011 A10 A12 A14 A16−2.9820e−013  0.0000e+000 0.0000e+000 0.0000e+000 Aspheric data # K A4A6 A8 30  0.0000e+000 −4.2085e−006 2.2644e−008 3.2079e−011 A10 A12 A14A16 −2.5433e−013  0.0000e+000 0.0000e+000 0.0000e+000 Various types ofdata zoom ratio 2.35 Wide Middle Tele F1 13.523 20.742 31.840 Fno. 2.2002.200 2.200 w 46.399 34.395 24.036 y max 14.200 14.200 14.200 TL 211.120209.537 223.064 BF 37.740 37.740 37.740 d2 0.788 16.549 31.932 d9 24.83610.385 1.313 d12 21.211 9.696 2.843 d23 3.321 11.112 20.463 d26 4.0014.831 9.549 Lens-group data Group (faces) F1 1 (1-2) 263.856 2 (3-9)−21.782 3 (10-12) 202.121 4 (13-23) 39.376 5 (24-26) −43.550 6 (27-30)41.959

Numerical Example 6

Unit: mm # r d nd vd object infinity infinity  1 120.349 7.245 1.6584450.85  2 304.573 variable  3 130.126 2.889 1.83400 37.16  4 25.49710.246   5* 68.724 2.626 1.58313 59.38  6* 27.120 10.723   7 −48.8071.983 1.49700 81.61  8 65.917 5.653 2.00100 29.13  9 −558.712 variable10 71.205 1.720 1.59349 67.00 11 31.300 5.199 1.80610 33.27 12 70.544variable 13* 62.104 4.709 1.58313 59.38 14* −278.076 3.837 15 (stop)infinity 4.328 16 −91.521 1.969 1.91082 35.25 17 55.705 12.840  1.5928268.62 18 −59.969 0.263 19 100.302 11.772  1.49700 81.61 20 −42.615 0.26321 48.372 2.101 1.80610 33.27 22 23.552 11.412  1.59282 68.62 23 277.374variable 24 122.542 1.260 1.76200 40.10 25 17.097 3.819 1.84666 23.78 2624.864 variable 27 27.555 10.868  1.49700 81.61 28 −33.889 0.803 29*−79.129 2.101 1.80860 40.42 30* −6330.530 19.850  image infinityAspheric data # K A4 A6 A8 5  0.0000e+000 6.7221e−006 −4.9739e−0081.6717e−010 A10 A12 A14 A16 −3.0099e−013 1.9512e−016  0.0000e+0000.0000e+000 Aspheric data # K A4 A6 A8 6  0.0000e+000 −1.5350e−006−7.1845e−008 2.3071e−010 A10 A12 A14 A16 −4.9018e−013  3.4970e−016 0.0000e+000 0.0000e+000 Aspheric data # K A4 A6 A8 13  0.0000e+000−2.1289e−006 −7.4781e−009 −9.7300e−012 A10 A12 A14 A16 −1.0329e−014 0.0000e+000  0.0000e+000  0.0000e+000 Aspheric data # K A4 A6 A8 140.0000e+000 5.5325e−006 −4.2433e−009 −1.1445e−011 A10 A12 A14 A160.0000e+000 0.0000e+000  0.0000e+000  0.0000e+000 Aspheric data # K A4A6 A8 29  0.0000e+000 −8.4066e−006 −3.7917e−008 2.1620e−010 A10 A12 A14A16 −5.7588e−013  0.0000e+000  0.0000e+000 0.0000e+000 Aspheric data # KA4 A6 A8 30  0.0000e+000 2.5904e−006 −3.7773e−008 2.4271e−010 A10 A12A14 A16 −5.6888e−013 0.0000e+000  0.0000e+000 0.0000e+000 Various typesof data zoom ratio 2.35 Wide Middle Tele F1 13.523 20.742 31.841 Fno.2.200 2.200 2.200 ω 46.399 34.396 24.035 y′max 14.200 14.200 14.200 TL195.069 191.036 210.035 BF 19.850 19.850 19.850 d2 0.788 14.699 35.498d9 28.546 10.865 1.313 d12 17.745 8.268 2.231 d23 3.282 11.336 19.931d26 4.229 5.389 10.582 Lens-group data Group (faces) F1 1 (1-2) 297.5422 (3-9) −23.164 3 (10-12) 235.962 4 (13-23) 39.069 5 (24-26) −45.523 6(27-30) 44.927

Numerical Example 7

Unit: mm # r d nd vd object infinity infinity  1 97.013 7.289 1.6229958.12  2 224.099 variable  3 112.669 3.020 1.83400 37.16  4 24.73011.606   5* 224.633 2.626 1.58270 59.34  6* 31.880 9.311  7 −51.6551.983 1.49700 81.61  8 53.348 6.079 2.00100 29.13  9 infinity variable10 110.989 1.720 1.48749 70.44 11 42.777 4.565 1.80100 34.97 12 129.407variable 13* 92.909 4.571 1.58313 59.46 14* −168.064 3.661 15 (stop)infinity 5.208 16 −86.100 1.969 1.72047 34.71 17 60.978 10.476  1.4874970.44 18 −60.978 0.197 19 84.935 12.129  1.49700 81.61 20 −46.469 0.19721 54.811 2.101 1.80100 34.97 22 23.483 12.920  1.59282 68.62 23infinity variable 24 259.112 1.260 1.76200 40.10 25 17.512 3.836 1.8051825.46 26 27.369 variable 27 29.954 11.737  1.49700 81.61 28 −29.9540.799 29* −95.537 1.838 1.80610 40.73 30* −1312.991 19.850  imageinfinity Aspheric data # K A4 A6 A8 5  0.0000e+000 1.2336e−005−5.7597e−008 1.6342e−010 A10 A12 A14 A16 −2.8199e−013 1.9851e−016 0.0000e+000 0.0000e+000 Aspheric data # K A4 A6 A8 6  0.0000e+0006.5003e−006 −7.1854e−008 2.0376e−010 A10 A12 A14 A16 −4.2318e−0133.5547e−016  0.0000e+000 0.0000e+000 Aspheric data # K A4 A6 A8 13 0.0000e+000 −3.0260e−006 −1.4432e−009 3.0013e−012 A10 A12 A14 A16−4.6809e−015  0.0000e+000  0.0000e+000 0.0000e+000 Aspheric data # K A4A6 A8 14 0.0000e+000 3.4280e−006 5.5269e−010 3.3978e−012 A10 A12 A14 A160.0000e+000 0.0000e+000 0.0000e+000 0.0000e+000 Aspheric data # K A4 A6A8 29  0.0000e+000 −4.5744e−005 8.0650e−008 8.5860e−011 A10 A12 A14 A16−7.2196e−013  0.0000e+000 0.0000e+000 0.0000e+000 Aspheric data # K A4A6 A81 30  0.0000e+000 −3.6175e−005 1.0279e−007 −1.1269e−011 A10 A12 A14A16 −4.3564e−013  0.0000e+000 0.0000e+000  0.0000e+000 Various types ofdata zoom ratio 2.35 Wide Middle Tele F1 13.523 20.743 31.838 Fno. 2.2002.200 2.200 ω 46.400 34.394 24.037 y′max 14.200 14.200 14.200 TL 195.068192.145 208.955 BF 19.850 19.850 19.850 d2 0.788 14.776 33.139 d9 30.08612.294 2.144 d12 15.901 7.360 2.012 d23 3.282 11.534 20.825 d26 4.0625.231 9.886 Lens-group data Group (faces) F1 1 (1-2) 268.674 2 (3-9)−21.592 3 (10-12) 175.162 4 (13-23) 40.197 5 (24-26) −42.340 6 (27-30)40.985

Numerical Example 8

# r d nd vd object infinity infinity  1 100.067 6.789 1.62041 60.34  2215.454 variable  3 116.796 3.020 1.83400 37.16  4 25.496 11.616   5*131.299 2.626 1.58270 59.34  6* 31.107 9.581  7 −53.650 1.983 1.4970081.61  8 61.216 5.271 2.00100 29.13  9 −1312.991 variable 10 68.1731.733 1.59349 67.00 11 35.550 4.652 1.69895 30.05 12 90.896 variable 13*99.408 4.315 1.58313 59.46 14* −157.038 3.527 15 (stop) infinity 5.64916 −67.509 1.969 1.74950 35.33 17 73.063 9.835 1.59282 68.62 18 −58.7840.197 19 79.687 11.480  1.49700 81.61 20 −50.625 0.197 21 53.062 2.1011.80610 33.27 22 23.587 13.086  1.59282 68.62 23 −315.551 variable 24313.378 1.260 1.76200 40.10 25 17.269 3.691 1.84666 23.78 26 24.841variable 27 32.472 11.544  1.49700 81.61 28 −28.818 0.780 29* −96.7422.232 1.80610 40.73 30* −1312.991 19.850  image infinity Aspheric data #K1 A4 A6 A8 5  0.0000e+000 3.0531e−006 −1.3636e−008 3.7746e−011 A10 A12A14 A16 −8.0488e−014 6.1887e−017  0.0000e+000 0.0000e+000 Aspheric data# K A4 A6 A8  6 0.0000e+000 −4.0945e−006 −2.2350e−008 4.9643e−011 A10A12 A14 A16 # K A4 A6 A8 13 0.0000e+000 −2.6484e−006 −9.5220e−0101.1041e−013 A10 A12 A14 A16 4.9600e−015  0.0000e+000  0.0000e+0000.0000e+000 # K A4 A6 A8 13 0.0000e+000 −2.6484e−006 −9.5220e−0101.1041e−013 A10 A12 A14 A16 4.9600e−015  0.0000e+000  0.0000e+0000.0000e+000 Aspheric data # K A4 A6 A8 14 0.0000e+000 3.9315e−0063.3168e−011 6.2671e−012 A10 A12 A14 A16 0.0000e+000 0.0000e+0000.0000e+000 0.0000e+000 Aspheric data # K A4 A6 A8 29  0.0000e+000−4.5997e−005 3.3884e−008 2.7172e−010 A10 A12 A14 A16 −9.2364e−013 0.0000e+000 0.0000e+000 0.0000e+000 Aspheric data # K A4 A6 A8 30 0.0000e+000 −3.7755e−005 6.3789e−008 1.2351e−010 A10 A12 A14 A16−5.4968e−013  0.0000e+000 0.0000e+000 0.0000e+000 Various types of datazoom ratio 2.35 Wide Middle Tele F1 13.523 20.745 31.840 Fno. 2.2002.200 2.200 ω 46.399 34.392 24.036 y′max 14.200 14.200 14.200 TL 195.069190.742 206.296 BF 19.850 19.850 19.850 d2 0.788 15.133 35.569 d9 30.77911.625 1.407 d12 17.101 8.943 2.480 d23 3.282 10.208 18.177 d26 4.1355.848 9.679 Lens-group data Group (faces) F1 1 (1-2) 294.532 2 (3-9)−22.853 3 (10-12) 234.064 4 (13-23) 37.190 5 (24-26) −38.169 6 (27-30)41.886

Table 1 indicates numerical values for each Example. Table 2 indicatesconditional-expression corresponding values for each Example. In Table2, Expression (3)-1, Expression (3)-2, Expression (3)-3, and Expression(3)-4 indicate, in order from the object side, the Abbe's numbers of thecorresponding positive lenses.

TABLE 1 Example numerical values ft fl nd2p nd2n f4 f5 f6 Example 131.839 217.325 2.001 1.497 35.956 −42.820 41.859 Example 2 31.838260.041 2.001 1.497 39.379 −40.767 40.882 Example 3 31.840 312.954 2.0011.497 38.805 −43.358 42.928 Example 4 31.840 268.386 2.001 1.497 38.931−44.535 43.339 Example 5 31.840 263.856 2.001 1.497 39.376 −43.55041.959 Example 6 31.841 297.542 2.001 1.497 39.069 −45.523 44.927Example 7 31.838 268.674 2.001 1.497 40.197 −42.340 40.985 Example 831.840 294.532 2.001 1.497 37.190 −38.169 41.886

TABLE 2 Example conditional expressions Expression Expression ExpressionExpression Expression Expression Expression Expression (1) (2) (3)-1(3)-2 (3)-3 (3)-4 (4) (5) Example 1 0.147 0.504 68.62 81.61 68.62 81.611.129 −1.023 Example 2 0.122 0.504 70.44 81.61 68.62 81.61 1.237 −0.997Example 3 0.102 0.504 68.62 81.61 68.62 81.61 1.219 −1.010 Example 40.119 0.504 68.62 81.61 68.62 81.61 1.223 −1.028 Example 5 0.121 0.50468.62 81.61 68.62 81.61 1.237 −1.038 Example 6 0.107 0.504 68.62 81.6168.62 81.61 1.227 −1.013 Example 7 0.119 0.504 70.44 81.61 68.62 81.611.263 −1.033 Example 8 0.108 0.504 68.62 81.61 68.62 81.61 1.168 −0.911

-   -   Expressions (3) indicate, in order from object side, Abbe's        numbers of corresponding lenses.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of configurations of an image pickupoptical device including a zoom lens and a digital apparatus accordingto the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 17, the digitalapparatus DU includes the image pickup optical device LU. The imagepickup optical device LU includes, in order from the object side(namely, subject side), the zoom lens LN that forms an optical image ofan object (image plane IM) (AX represents the optical axis) and an imagepickup element SR that converts the optical image formed on a lightreceiving face (image pickup face) SS by the zoom lens LN, into anelectric signal. As necessary, a parallel flat plate may be arranged inthe image pickup optical device LU (e.g., a cover glass for the imagepickup element SR or an optical filter, such as an optical low-passfilter or an infrared cut-off filter, to be arranged as necessary).

As the image pickup element SR, for example, provided is a solid-stateimage pickup element, such as a charge coupled device (CCD) type imagesensor or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) type imagesensor, having a plurality of pixels. The zoom lens LN is provided so asto form an optical image of a subject onto the light-receiving face SSthat is the photoelectric converter of the image pickup element SR. Theoptical image formed by the zoom lens LN is converted into an electricsignal by the image pickup element SR.

The digital apparatus DU includes a signal processing unit 1, a controlunit 2, a memory 3, an operation unit 4, and a display unit 5, inaddition to the image pickup optical device LU. The signal processingunit 1 performs, as necessary, predetermined processing, such as digitalimage processing or image compression processing, to the signalgenerated by the image pickup element SR, to generate a digital videosignal. The digital video signal is recorded onto the memory 3 (e.g., asemiconductor memory or an optical disc). The digital video signal maybe transmitted to another apparatus.

The control unit 2 including a microcomputer, controls a function, suchas a capturing function (e.g., a still-image capturing function or amoving-image capturing function) or an image reproduction function, orcontrols a lens movement mechanism for focusing or the like,intensively. For example, the control unit 2 controls the image pickupoptical device LU such that at least either still-image capturing of thesubject or moving-image capturing of the subject is performed.

The display unit 5 including a display, such as a liquid crystalmonitor, performs image display with the image signal converted by theimage pickup element SR or the image information recorded on the memory3.

The operation unit 4 including operation members, such as an operationbutton (e.g., a release button) and an operation dial (e.g., a capturingmode dial), sends information operation-input by an operator, to thecontrol unit 2.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, provided can be azoom lens corrected favorably in aberration, having a wide angle of viewat the wide end thereof and f-number small over the entire range ofzooming, an image pickup optical device including the zoom lens, and adigital apparatus.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described andillustrated in detail, the disclosed embodiments are made for purposesof illustration and example only and not limitation. The scope of thepresent invention should be interpreted by terms of the appended claims,and intends to include all alternations in the meaning and scope ofequivalents of the scope of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A zoom lens comprising, in order from an objectside: a first lens group having positive refractive power; a second lensgroup having negative refractive power; a third lens group havingpositive refractive power; a fourth lens group having positiverefractive power; a fifth lens group having negative refractive power;and a sixth lens group having positive refractive power, wherein, duringzooming, an interval between adjacent two lens groups varies among thefirst lens group, the second lens group, the third lens group, thefourth lens group, the fifth lens group, and the sixth lens group, andthe following Conditional Expression (1) is satisfied:0<ft/f1≤0.42  (1) where ft represents a focal length of an entire systemat a tele end, and f1 represents a focal length of the first lens group.2. The zoom lens according to claim 1, wherein the second lens groupincludes at least one cemented lens satisfying the following ConditionalExpression (2):nd2p−nd2n≥0.1  (2) where nd2p represents a refractive index for a d lineof a positive lens in the cemented lens in the second lens group, andnd2n represents a refractive index for the d line of a negative lens inthe cemented lens in the second lens group.
 3. The zoom lens accordingto claim 1, wherein the lens groups on an image side from the fourthlens group include at least three positive lenses satisfying thefollowing Conditional Expression (3):vdp≥60  (3) where vdp represents an Abbe's number of each positive lensarranged on the image side from the fourth lens group.
 4. The zoom lensaccording to claim 1, wherein the fourth lens group satisfies thefollowing Conditional Expression (4):0.6≤f4/ft≤1.6  (4) where f4 represents a focal length of the fourth lensgroup.
 5. The zoom lens according to claim 1, wherein the fifth lensgroup moves on an optical axis in focusing from a far-distance object toa near-distance object, and the following Conditional Expression (5) issatisfied:−2.0≤f5/f6≤−0.5  (5) where f5 represents a focal length of the fifthlens group, and f6 represents a focal length of the sixth lens group. 6.The zoom lens according to claim 1, wherein the first lens groupincludes one positive lens.
 7. An image pickup optical devicecomprising: the zoom lens according to claim 1; and an image pickupelement that converts an optical image of a subject formed on alight-receiving face of the image pickup element into an electricsignal, wherein the zoom lens is provided such that the optical image isformed on the light-receiving face of the image pickup element.
 8. Adigital apparatus comprising: the image pickup optical device accordingto claim 7, wherein the digital apparatus has at least one of a functionof capturing a still image of a subject and a function of capturing amoving-image of the subject.